Windrider (alternatively worded as Wind Rider and also known as Making Waves) is a 1986 Australian romantic comedy film directed by Vincent Monton and starring Tom Burlinson, Nicole Kidman, and Bud Tingwell. It was filmed in Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Contents
Plot
Stewart "P.C." Simpson (Burlinson) lives in a magnificent beachfront home and is an enthusiastic windsurfer, indulging his passion for windsurfing daily. His wealthy father (Tingwell) may fault P.C.'s inconsistency in working within the company he owns but can appreciate his son's remarkable abilities on the waves. With the help of his father's company's engineer Howard (Chilvers), P.C. develops a high-tech sailboard for the coming world windsurfing championship. Meanwhile, Jade (Kidman) is a rock singer who starts a relationship with P.C., but as their romance blooms, sport, friends, and the upcoming championship become secondary.
Cast
Tom Burlinson as Stewart P.C. Simpson
Nicole Kidman as Jade
Bud Tingwell as Stewart Simpson Senior
Jill Perryman as Miss Dodge
Simon Chilvers as Howard
Kim Bullard as Coyote
Stig Wemyss as Ratso
Mark Williams as Mangles
Alastair Cummings as Rabbit
Robin Miller as Wally
Matt Parkinson as Lurch
Lorraine Webster as Mud
Johnny Ryan as McBride
Lance Karapetcoff as King
Ric Whittle as Ross
Penny Brown as Kate
Alistair Browning as Cram
Andy Copeman as Hayes
Production
The movie was the first film directed by experienced cinematographer Vince Monton. Monton later said he felt the film was too adult (it received an M rating) when it should have been aimed at 13-year-olds.
In an interview, Kidman stated was attracted to the role of Jade because the character was older.It’s inevitable that I’ll grow up. People do still remember me as being 15, but it’s slowly changing. It’s hard for a casting director to know where I fit in – I can play 22, 23, 24, if not physically then mentally.
Filming started 16 September 1985.
Home media
Windrider was released on DVD by Umbrella Entertainment in March 2010. The DVD includes special features such as the theatrical trailer, Umbrella Entertainment trailers, a stills gallery, wind surfing promo, Young Thing music promo, Nicole Kidman music promo, an extended bedroom scene, script, press kit, press clippings, and cast biographies.